Russian GP drops night race plan

Plans for Formula 1's Russian Grand Prix to become a night race have been ruled out by the country's deputy prime minister.

Russian GP chief executive Sergey Vorobyev said he believed the event would become a night race at some stage before 2020, with the caveat that he was awaiting the go-ahead from the government because doing so would require additional financial investment

But deputy prime minister Dmitry Kozak says there is no reason for proceeding with the night race idea.

Speaking to reporters at Sochi, Kozak said: "As for the prospects of night races, we have been watching the TV feed from Sochi as it is now and it is fabulous.

"We can see the beautiful Olympic venues, great landscapes and there are no reasons to move it to evening hours.

"There is no way we could achieve the same quality at a later time."

The Sochi track, which winds its way through the Olympic Park used for the 2014 Winter Olympics, will hold its fourth grand prix on Sunday and has a deal through to 2025.

Kozak met with new F1 chief Chase Carey at Sochi on Saturday, and is excited by Liberty Media's plans for the future.

"We talked about the continuation of our cooperation with the new Formula One Group Management," he said.

"We have reached an agreement in all areas.

"We have a wonderful cooperation experience and nothing is going to change.

"Formula 1 gives additional life to all Olympic tourist infrastructure which was set in place in preparation for the Olympic Games.